Annan calls for calm in cartoons dispute

The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has appealed for calm and an end to what he described as 'megaphone diplomacy' in the ongoing dispute over the publication by newspapers of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

In an interview with a Danish public television, he said there was a need for dialogue and understanding.

Mr Annan said he found the cartoons offensive and insensitive and the reaction by some Muslims did not mean the whole religion was a violent one.

Danes warned to leave Indonesia

The Danish government has warned its citizens to leave Indonesia.

It says there is a significant and imminent threat to Danish interests and nationals in Indonesia in the row over the cartoons.

Denmark has already temporarily withdrawn its diplomats from Syria, Iran and Indonesia because of fears for their safety.